The holdup happened at about 8:45 p.m. Sunday at a Bank of America branch near Tysons Corner, police say.

The victim says that the suspect came up to her, displayed a shotgun and demanded money. The woman immediately handed over her money and purse to the man, who was covered from head-to-toe. He fled the scene in an older-model, dark-colored SUV.

The getaway vehicle also had a roof rack, an external spare tire and Virginia tags.

"I think she did the right thing," said resident Liza Wright. "Just give everything you have and hope to goodness he's not there to hurt you...I can't imagine what she was thinking."

The Greensboro Drive bank branch, which is located within a business park area, is just blocks away from the mall. The entrance of the ATM area also did not appear to have a lock requiring customers to use their bank card to gain entry.

Even police said the use of a shotgun was a surprise.

"It could be statement as to his level of desperation," said Fairfax County Police Officer Don Gotthart. "We want to get him. We want to get him off the street."